Landing at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) for the first time as a traveler is a sensory explosion. The warmth, the vibrant energy of the crowds, and the immediate hospitality of the “Gatekeepers” are all part of the Ghanaian experience. However, for a professional moving their life across continents, those first few days can also be a logistical maze.
Without the right expat relocation support, simple tasks like getting a working phone number, securing a safe ride, or understanding the local currency can become overwhelming hurdles.
This guide provides a chronological, hour-by-hour roadmap to ensure your transition into Ghana is seamless, professional, and entirely stress-free.
Hour 0–4: The Airport Experience and “The Golden Hour”
The success of your relocation is often determined before you even step off the plane. The first four hours are the most critical for safety and setting the tone for your stay.
The Protocol Advantage
In 2026, Kotoka International Airport is busier than ever. Navigating the health checks (ensure your Yellow Fever card is ready!) and the immigration queues can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. This is where professional expat relocation support proves its worth.
A dedicated Protocol Officer from an expat relocation support service doesn’t just wait for you at the exit; they meet you at the air bridge or the entrance of the arrival hall. They assist with:
- Expedited Immigration: Guiding you through the correct lanes for your visa type.
- Baggage Handling: Ensuring your multiple suitcases are accounted for and moved through customs without hassle.
- Secure Transit: Escorting you to a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a chauffeur who understands Accra’s traffic patterns.
Currency and Immediate Connectivity
While many places in Accra now accept international cards, you will need local currency (Ghana Cedis – GHS) for expenses in the long run. There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, but be aware of daily withdrawal limits.
Insider Tip for 2026: Avoid exchanging large sums of money at the airport’s forex bureau, where rates are generally higher. Use enough for Day 1 and wait until you can visit a licensed Forex Bureau in the city for better rates.
Hour 4–24: Connectivity, SIM Cards, and Your First Night
Once you have checked into your initial accommodation, ideally a vetted, short-term corporate apartment arranged by an expat relocation support team, your primary goal is to “get connected online.”
The 2026 SIM Registration Update
As of early 2026, Ghana implemented a nationwide SIM registration exercise. The previous system was overhauled to ensure every number is directly linked to a verified biometric identity.
If you are entering as a tourist or on a short-term visa, you can still register a SIM card using your Passport. However, if you are moving for the long term, you will eventually need to link your number to your Non-Citizen Ghana Card.
- Providers: MTN and Telecel (formerly Vodafone) remain the dominant players; AT (formerly AirtelTigo) is also a good alternative.
- The Process: You must visit an official service center or vendor to buy and register your SIM card. Do not buy “pre-registered” SIMs from the street vendors; these are illegal and will be deactivated by the National Communications Authority (NCA) within days.
Day 2 (Hour 24–48): The “Bureaucracy Sprint”
Your second day is about legalizing your presence and setting up the infrastructure for your financial life. This is the core of high-level expat relocation support.
The Non-Citizen Ghana Card (NIA)
For any foreigner staying in Ghana for more than 90 days, the Non-Citizen Ghana Card is mandatory. It is the “key to the city.” You cannot open a bank account, register a car, or renew a residence permit without it.
- Cost: In 2026, the first-time issuance fee for the card is approximately USD 120 (payable in Cedi equivalent).
- Location: While the NIA headquarters at Shiashie is the main hub, there are “Premium Centers” (such as at the CalBank Head Office or VFS Global) that offer a much faster, more comfortable experience.
Mobile Money (MoMo) – The Real Currency of Ghana
Once you have your SIM and your ID, the next step is setting up Mobile Money (MoMo). In Ghana, MoMo is more widely used than credit cards. You can use it to pay for electricity, groceries, and even your “Pure Water” on the street, even though most street vendors or shops prefer cash.
Banking for Expats
While MoMo is great for daily spending, you will need a traditional bank account for your salary and business transactions. Banks like Stanbic, Ecobank, and Standard Chartered are popular with expats.
- Requirement: Most banks will now insist on your Non-Citizen Ghana Card before they will even open the file.
Day 3 (Hour 48–72): Neighborhood Orientation
By the third day, the “fog” of travel has usually lifted. Now is the time to find your “vibe.” Accra is not a monolith; each neighborhood offers a vastly different lifestyle.
1. Cantonments & Labone: The Diplomatic Heart
Cantonments remain the gold standard for security and prestige. Neighboring Labone was recently recognized by Time Out as one of the “coolest neighborhoods in the world” for 2025/2026.
- Best for: Diplomats, high-level executives, and those who want a walkable (by Accra standards) area with trendy cafes and boutiques.
2. Airport Residential Area: Corporate Luxury
True to its name, this area is 5–10 minutes from the airport. It is characterized by luxury high-rise apartments with rooftop pools and gyms.
- Best for: Frequent travelers and those working for multinationals based in the nearby Airport City.
3. East Legon: The Lifestyle Hub
If you want the best restaurants, nightlife, and a bustling community feel, East Legon is the place. It is a favorite for the returning diaspora and young entrepreneurs.
- Best for: Families and socially active expats. (Note: Traffic at the “Underpass” can be difficult, so plan your commute carefully.)
The Rent Reality: In 2026, some landlords still frequently ask for 6 to 12 months of rent in advance. This is a significant capital outlay. A specialized expat relocation support partner can help negotiate these terms or identify properties that allow for more flexible quarterly payments.
Navigating Cultural Etiquette: A Quick Cheat Sheet
To truly settle in, you must understand the “unspoken rules” of the Gold Coast:
- The Right Hand Rule: Always use your right hand to give or receive items, to greet, to wave, and to eat if you are not using cutlery. Using the left hand is culturally considered disrespectful.
- The Greeting: Never rush straight into business. Start every interaction with a “Good morning” or “How are you?”
- Time Sensitivity: “Ghanaian Time” is a real concept for social events; people may arrive 1-2 hours late. However, for corporate business meetings or conferences, punctuality is increasingly expected.
Why Choose Kharis for Expat Relocation Support?
Relocating to a new country shouldn’t feel like a second job. At Kharis Hospitality & Logistics, we provide a “soft landing” that allows you to focus on your career and family while we handle the complexities of the move.
Our end-to-end expat relocation support includes:
- VIP Airport Protocol: Skip the stress of the terminal.
- Logistics & Clearing: Getting your household goods through Tema Port without the “hidden fees.”
- Home Search: Access to “off-market” listings in Accra’s most secure neighborhoods.
- On-going Support: From car rentals with vetted drivers to finding the best international schools.
Don’t leave your first 72 hours to chance. Secure your peace of mind and ensure your transition to Ghana is as prestigious as the career that brought you here.
